CODE OF CONDUCT

At the Dean of Student’s sole discretion, on the second offense during her four years at Ursuline, the following actions may be taken: • the student will receive a zero on her assignment and five percentage points will be dropped from the student’s semester grade in that class • the student will be asked to apologize to the teacher involved, and • the student will receive a Class II infraction and serve a detention.

At the Dean of Student’s sole discretion, on the third offense during her four years at Ursuline, the following actions may be taken: • the student will receive a zero on her assignment and five percentage points will be dropped from the student’s semester grade in that class • the student will be asked to apologize to the teacher involved • the student will receive a Class II infraction and serve a detention, • the Council will recommend that the Principal review her status at Ursuline, and • the student may be expelled or put on a probationary status.

The assignments, quizzes, or tests that received a reduced grade due to dishonesty may not be excluded from the student’s average.

The teacher/student relationship is of extreme importance. When there has been a breach in that trust, it will be encouraged for the student and the teacher to have direct communication.

While all Ursuline students are held to high standards of integrity, those who are elected or selected to leadership positions are called to the highest demonstration of honesty. To this end, a student who runs or applies for Student Council, Honor Council, National Honor Society, or Ambassadors may not be chosen if she has been judged guilty of an Honor Code offense during the current year. Also, any student who is a member of these organizations who is found guilty of violating the Honor Code is subject to removal from that group.

Issues of honor may be handled directly by the Dean of Students and the Principal when a situation merits, and Honor Code violations are subject, at the school’s sole discretion, to the provisions of the Code of Conduct set forth in this handbook.

23 The Ursuline uniform signifies membership in the student body. Students are to wear the school uniform every day. The Ursuline Academy uniform must, at a minimum, include a blouse, a skirt, a blazer, socks, and a pair of uniform shoes. All uniform standards are subject to interpretation by the Dean of Students, whose decision as to the appropriateness of any aspect of a student’s appearance is final.

Basic Uniform

The basic uniform includes the following list of approved items: • white oxford or cotton material, pointed collar, may be button-down, long-sleeved or shortsleeved, tuck-in blouse • navy blue cardigan or navy-blue v-neck sweater • navy blue blazer with Ursuline’s crest on pocket • solid navy-blue or black tights with no ridges/pattern/cutouts/mesh, or solid navy or black footless tights/leggings (socks must cover legging hem) • solid white crew socks that must cover ankle (no emblems) • solid white knee socks • navy blue or black and white saddle oxfords • red, white, and blue plaid skirt (hem must be no more than three inches above the knee as a student stands straight) • red, white, and blue plaid pants can be made to order from Mills Uniform Co. but must be worn with a brown or navy belt and cannot be worn on special assembly days when dress uniform is required • red or navy pullover Ursuline fleece from Bear Necessities • Ursuline sweatshirts in excellent condition (not torn, frayed, or stained) – all sweatshirts worn on campus must have Ursuline’s name on it • one sweatshirt over a school blouse is allowed; two or more sweatshirts cannot be layered and worn • class lanyard and ID badge

Dress Uniform

For certain special assemblies and all Masses, students are expected to wear their dress uniform. This includes their uniform shirt, skirt, saddle shoes, and blazer. Sweatshirts cannot be worn under blazers. ID badges must be worn. Socks should be solid white or navy, or uniform compliance tights can be worn. Class I infractions will be given if a student does not have her blazer when needed.

Senior Choices

The senior uniform includes the following list of approved items: • navy blue cotton, short-sleeved, tuck-in blouse • navy blue ¾ sleeve blouse • white v-neck cardigan or sweater • solid navy-blue socks that must cover ankle (no emblem) • solid navy-blue knee socks

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Sweatshirt Policy for Clubs, Sports Teams, Classes, Grades, Etc. (Any Extra-Curricular Activity or

Organization) If/when a student organization designs a sweatshirt for its members, the design should: • do not use any pop culture references – especially those that could be divisive, offensive, or exclusive • do not endorse any particular viewpoint – especially those that could be divisive, offensive or exclusive • promote the mission of Ursuline Academy and not be perceived as contrary to the mission of the school • avoid using images of real faces – UA students, teachers, employees, or public figures • have “Ursuline” or “Ursuline Academy” clearly visible • not only be for specific sections (periods) of a class

All designs must be approved by the organization’s moderator or coach and the Student Activities Director or the Dean of Students Office.

Graduation Attire

All Ursuline graduates wear a formal white dress, a white hat, white dress shoes, and carry a dozen red roses.

It is strongly recommended that labels with student names be placed in all uniform items (particularly blazers/sweaters).

Students are expected to wear the uniform properly at all times during the school day. The uniform blazer is worn for all liturgical events/assemblies unless otherwise directed. Jewelry, make-up, and hair adornments must be understated and appropriate to the uniform and proper deportment, at the school’s sole discretion. Hairstyles should not be distracting, and hair may not be dyed an unnatural hair color. All jewelry should be minimal and appropriate for school. Tattoos, facial jewelry, and body piercings are not allowed. All pins worn must be appropriate for school. Undergarments should be tasteful, not visible, and flesh colored only.

Non-uniform items may not be worn during the day. Undershirts must not be visible. Sweatpants cannot be worn under the uniform skirt during school hours. Blankets will only be allowed in the classrooms at the discretion of the teacher. No blankets should be worn or seen in the hallways.

A student will only be permitted to wear non-uniform shoes if she has an official note from her physician stating that, for medical reasons, she cannot wear the shoes for a specified number of days. This note is presented to the Dean of Students and is kept on file. Only in rare instances will non-uniform shoes be permitted for an entire semester or school year. If a student has a uniform pass because of an injury or per doctor’s orders, she must wear solid white, grey, navy, or black tennis shoes.

In the event that the uniform cannot be worn (due to injury or special circumstances), the student must request a temporary pass from the Dean of Students prior to her first class.

25 Students who arrive at school, for their first class, in non-uniform clothing are not in compliance with the uniform requirements and are unprepared for school. The student will receive a Class I infraction for improper/incomplete uniform.

Occasionally, the Dean of Students may approve a “Dress Down Day” for the student body. On those days, school appropriate, casual clothing is acceptable. Nothing should be too tight or too short. Shorts, pajamas, and/or torn garments are never appropriate attire for class days. Flip flops and slippers are not permitted on dress down days. The administration will not allow apparel that is, or is perceived to be, contrary to the mission of the school. On a dress down day, please adhere to the following guidelines: • do not use any pop culture references – especially those that could be divisive, offensive, or exclusive • do not endorse any particular viewpoint – especially those that could be divisive, offensive or exclusive • clothes should promote the mission of Ursuline Academy and not be perceived as contrary to the mission of the school • avoid using images of real faces – UA students, teachers, employees, or public figures

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DANCE GUIDELINES

Casual Dress

Attire should be modest and appropriate for a high school dance. No plunging neck lines or plunging backs. No bare midriffs. Nothing should be too short or too tight. Ursuline students are responsible for seeing that they and their dates/guests observe the dress code in order to gain admission to the dance. Shoes are required.

Semiformal

Dress code is semiformal attire. Ursuline students are responsible for seeing that they and their dates/guests observe the dress code in order to gain admission to the dance. Semiformal/after-five dress attire is to be worn, which is in good taste, modest and appropriate in cut and length for school. Any attire that is too tight, too short, low cut, bare midriff or backless may not be worn. Shoes are required.

Dress code is formal attire. Ursuline students are responsible for seeing that they and their dates/guests observe the dress code in order to gain admission to the dance. Formal/after-five dress attire is to be worn, which is in good taste, modest and appropriate in cut and length for school. Dresses that are too tight, too short, low cut, bare midriff or backless may not be worn. Dress shoes are required.

Rules for On-Campus Dances:

• All students and guests are expected to dress and to dance appropriately for an Ursulinesponsored event. • All students and guests are expected to follow the Ursuline Code of Conduct. • Students must follow the established time of arrival and may not leave before posted time unless signed out by a parent or guardian. • Students may not leave the dance and then return. • Each Ursuline student may invite only one guest from another high school • All students and guests should have a school picture ID.

Themed Dances

While dressing up in the spirit of building community and having fun, please be mindful and respectful of the cultures that you may be representing. Remember there is a difference between cultural appropriation and cultural appreciation.

Here are some questions to reflect upon when choosing your characters/attire: 1. Is there a history of discrimination against this identity group? 2. Does my action perpetuate negative stereotypes? 3. Am I depicting the culture incorrectly? 4. Am I using someone else’s cultural or religious symbols out of context? 5. Does this offend anyone from the cultural group of origin?

27 From “Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation” by Dr. Aradhana Mudambi on socialjusticeandeducation.org:

Culture is defined as the behavior, customs, and norms shared by members of an identity group. Culture is important to people because it affirms their identities. But what happens in our ever-shrinking world when we “borrow” from others’ cultures? How does it impact people’s identities?

Cultural borrowing can be an act of appropriation or appreciation. Cultural appropriation is the “adoption or taking of specific elements of one culture by another without substantive reciprocity, permission, compensation, understanding, or appreciation” (Chepp, 2012). Cultural appropriation often insults the target culture or reinforces stereotypes, thus causing harm to people’s identities.

However, cultural appreciation is the true desire to embrace a different culture. For instance, learning to cook Mexican food from a Mexican friend or taking Martial Arts from a culturally adept instructor are examples of cultural appreciation. In contrast, wearing Native American clothing as a Thanksgiving costume is an example of cultural appropriation.

Cultural appreciation is the true desire to embrace a different culture. Cultural appropriation often occurs unintentionally.

Breathalyzers

Ursuline does maintain the right to use breathalyzers at any and all events when deemed appropriate. Breathalyzers will be used at all Ursuline functions. If any student (Ursuline or guest) blows over 0.0, parents will be called to pick up their child and there will be further consequences with the school.

Attendance

If a student is absent the day before a dance, she may not attend the dance. If she has sustained a concussion before the dance, she may not attend the dance for safety reasons.

Ticket Purchases and Table Requests

For some Ursuline dances, tickets will need to be purchased by a certain date and table requests will need to be submitted by a certain date. The school will do whatever we can to ensure our students can attend each dance, however, if a student does not purchase tickets or complete table assignments by the communicated deadline, she may not be able to attend the dance or may receive a Class I infraction for not following procedures.

Guests

While Ursuline does not require a form to be completed if a student is bringing a guest from another school, all Ursuline students are responsible for the behavior and attire of their guest. Any guest at an Ursuline dance should not be over the age of 19 or under the age of 14.

At any Ursuline or Jesuit event, any chaperone has the final authority on determining whether or not dress is appropriate. Students and visitors may be given Class I infractions, refused entry, asked to put on an additional garment, or forced to leave the event at a chaperone’s sole discretion.

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Hours: 7:45 am – 4:10 PM Phone: 469-232-3963 School Pass App Email: attendance@ursulinedallas.org

It is the responsibility of each student to regularly review her attendance record on My Backpack. Each absence without parent/guardian notification will result in a Class I Infraction. Changes to attendance records need to be approved by the Dean of Students Office.

Furthermore, a student who is on campus must attend all of her scheduled classes. A student on campus, cannot leave the building until after the conclusion of the afternoon prayer at 3:40.

ATTENDANCE

ABSENCES

In order to determine whether an absence is excused, the school will take into consideration notice from a parent/guardian which complies with the Absence Notification requirements below. Any absence for which notice is not provided as required by the Absence Notification requirements will be considered unexcused.

Texas state law requires that students attend school each day that instruction is provided. In addition to compulsory attendance law, Texas requires schools to enforce the “90% rule” which states that students enrolled in a K – 12 school must attend class for 90% of the time that it is offered to receive credit. At Ursuline Academy, students are allowed four approved absences per class per semester (excluding absences that are excused with doctor’s notes submitted within three days of the absence). Should a student exceed the approved four absences per class per semester, she will be required to make up any additional truant time outside of school hours. Allowed make-up time will not exceed 320 minutes per class. If the amount of make-up time exceeds 320 minutes per class, the Dean of Academics and the Dean of Students will decide whether or not the student can receive full credit for the class.

If a student is absent without a doctor’s note, or parent notification, she will be considered truant.

DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS

If a student has a doctor’s appointment, the note must be turned in to the attendance office within two weeks if the appointment is to be counted as an “excused absence with a doctor’s note”.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

Absence Notification

Parents and students will download School Pass to report absences. Parents/Guardians can download the app and report whether their daughter will be coming in late, leaving early, or missing the entire day. The attendance office should receive notification before 9:10 AM. If notifying that a student will be leaving during a class, please email the teacher. The Attendance Office phone number is (469) 232-3963 or email attendance@ursulinedallas.org and follow the Dean of Students Attendance Note Procedure.

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Parent/Guardian notification of an absence must be received by the attendance office within three school days after the date of absence(s) or the student will receive a Class I Infraction for each absence.

Advisory Attendance

It is the responsibility of the student to report in person to her advisor during Advisory, Class Meetings, and assemblies. A Class I Infraction may result if this procedure is not followed. A student with 4 absences in advisory and/or class meeting, excluding absences with a doctor’s note will serve a detention, per semester. If a student reaches more than 8 absences in advisory and/or class meeting, excluding doctor’s notes, per semester, the student will serve a Saturday detention.

Attendance for Program Days (Career Day, Global Week, etc.)

The mission of Ursuline Academy is the total development of the individual student through spiritual formation, intellectual growth, service to others, and building of community.

Ursuline Academy commits to helping our students develop themselves as whole individuals. Therefore, Ursuline devotes partial or full days each year to focus on students’ growth in areas beyond the classroom. These include such special, community-focused days as: Career Day, Global Day, STEM Day, Humanities Day, and others. It is our expectation that all community members are in attendance for these days. There will be no college visits approved on these days. Any absences should only be for medical reasons to be confirmed by a doctor’s note. Absences on these days without a doctor’s note will be counted as two advisory absences and will require make-up hours. Hours will be made up before or after school in the library. Attendance procedures should be followed.

Advance Notice of Absence

If a student knows in advance that she will be absent (for example surgery or travel), she should provide a parent/guardian/coach documentation that follows the Attendance Note Procedure to the Dean of Students Office and notify her teachers to arrange for make-up work.

Any absences due to family trips, non-UA sports, or extracurriculars must be approved at least two weeks in advance by the Dean of Students and the Dean of Academics. Unless this is done, the student stands in jeopardy of losing credit for missed work. Students are responsible for initiating communication with their teachers and completing all work in a timely manner. Work not completed in a timely manner risks a late penalty of reduced points.

Early Dismissal

Any student who must leave campus for any reason after she has arrived at school (this includes zerohour classes) must sign out with the attendance office and must provide permission from a parent/guardian that complies with the Absence Notification requirements above. If appropriate notice is not received, the Dean of Students’ Office may, at the Dean of Students’ discretion, contact the parent/guardian for verbal permission allowing the student to sign out and leave campus. The parent may also come into the Attendance Office and write a note at the time of dismissal. In this instance, the student must still sign out.

31 If a student gets sick at school, they must visit the clinic immediately. If a student has visited the clinic and is sent home sick during the school day, the student must sign out in both the clinic and the Attendance Office.

In emergency situations, such as illness, the parent or person on the emergency card will be contacted by phone and the student will be allowed to check out at the discretion of the Dean of Students.

Eligibility for Extra-Curricular Activities when Absent

A student must be present for two full in-person class periods in order to participate in extracurricular activities that same day. In order for a student to participate over the weekend, she must be present more than 2 full classes on a Friday. Absences due to doctor’s appointments may be excused.

Free Period Sign-In Procedures

Students must sign in for a first period free at the beginning of the day in the Dean of Students Office. A student who neglects to sign in for a first period free will receive a Class I Infraction. Seniors returning from Community Service should report directly to their next period class. If they have a free period after Community Service, they must sign in at the Dean of Students Office or receive a Class I Infraction. This includes online classes.

Multiple Absences

Seniors with more than four absences in each class, per semester, will lose off-campus privileges.

In the event of hospitalization treating emotional issues, a conference is required between the student’s mental health care provider, her Ursuline personal counselor, and a school administrator before readmittance may occur. The school may also require an evaluation of the student by a medical professional in order for the student to return to Ursuline.

Any absence due to illness that exceeds three consecutive days requires a physician’s note to return to class.

If a student goes in-patient or on partial hospitalization more than once while enrolled at Ursuline or if her time away from campus extends beyond nine weeks, her family will need to meet with her counselor and members of the school’s administrative team to assess her continued enrollment. While the top priority is to safeguard the health and well-being of the student, it is also important that students are able to meet and uphold Ursuline’s academic program expectations in a consistent manner.

Return to School

When arriving late to school, a student must have a parent notify the attendance office following the Dean of Students’ Attendance Note Procedure or the Dean of Students office must have received a parent/guardian phone call. After three school days, if the Dean of Students Office has not received parent/guardian notification, a Class I infraction will be issued to the student for each absence and she may receive a reduced grade for any work missed.

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Student Tardies

Students are expected to be on time to all classes in order to avoid disrupting the learning environment. If a student is late for school or for an individual class, she should report to the Dean of Students Office to check in.

Every fourth tardy to school and/or to class per semester results in a Class II Infraction (4 infraction points), a discussion with the student, and a mandatory detention. Only tardies with a doctor’s note will be excused. If a student is 20 minutes late, it is considered tardy. If a student misses more than 20 minutes of a class, it is considered an absence, whether in-person or remote.

If a student is tardy to class and the class is not in the assigned classroom, the student must check in with the attendance office.

Zero Hour Class Absences

A student must present a note or have a parent/guardian call the Dean of Students Office, following the Dean of Students Attendance Note Procedure when she has missed a zero-hour class (dance, band, color guard, for example). Missing a zero-hour class is considered a regular absence and the same attendance rules apply.

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CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS BY CLASS

ACADEMICS

Class Theology English Math Social Studies Science World Lang Electives PE Fine Arts Comp Science Seminar Class Total

2023 4 4 3 4 3 3 1 1 1 1 1.0 26

• Social Studies requirements: 4 credits - Early World History, Modern World History, United States History, Macroeconomics, and Government • Science requirements: 3 credits - Physics, Chemistry, and Biology beginning in Freshman year • World Language requirements: The same language for 3 consecutive years or through level 3 beginning in Freshman year. • Seminar Class requirement is 0.5 credit junior year.

Class Theology English Math Social Studies Science World Lang Electives PE Fine Arts Comp Science Seminar Class Total

2024 2025 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1.0 26

• Social Studies requirements: 3 credits - World History, Government, United States History, and Macroeconomics • Science requirements: 3 credits - Physics, Chemistry, and Biology beginning in Freshman year • World Language requirements: 3 consecutive years or through level 3 beginning in Freshman year • Seminar Class requirement: 0.5 credit in Freshman and Junior or Senior year

Grading System

90-100 A 80-89 B 70-79 C 65-69 D Below 65 F

Equivalence Scale

Numeric Grade Grade Points Honors/AP 93-100 4.0 4.6 90-92 3.7 4.3 87-89 3.3 3.9 83-86 3.0 3.6 80-82 2.7 3.3 77-79 2.3 2.9 73-76 2.0 2.6 70-72 1.7 2.3 65-69 1.0 1.6 Below 65 0.0 0.0

Graduation Requirements

To earn a diploma from Ursuline Academy, a student must meet the following requirements: • obtain the last six credits from Ursuline Academy while enrolled as a full-time student. • earn passing grades in all courses or remediate failures

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